Can Arlo Camera Record Sound Discover the Truth Here

Yes, most Arlo cameras can record sound, offering built-in microphones for audio capture alongside video—ideal for monitoring conversations or detecting disturbances. However, audio recording depends on the model and local privacy laws, so always verify compatibility and legal requirements before enabling this feature.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras can record sound: Most models include built-in microphones for audio capture.
• Check local laws: Audio recording may require consent depending on your location.
• Enable/disable in settings: Control audio recording via the Arlo app easily.
• Two-way audio available: Communicate through the camera using its speaker and mic.
• Subscription may be needed: Cloud storage for audio often requires an Arlo plan.
• Privacy matters: Mute audio to protect neighbors’ privacy when needed.

Can Arlo Cameras Record Sound? Let’s Set the Record Straight

Imagine this: You’re at work, sipping your third coffee of the day, when your phone buzzes. It’s a motion alert from your Arlo camera. You tap the notification, eager to see what’s happening at home. A squirrel darts across your porch, and you chuckle. But then—you hear it. A faint rustle, a whisper. Your heart skips. Wait… did my Arlo camera just record sound?

If you’ve ever wondered whether your Arlo camera can capture audio, you’re not alone. Sound recording is one of the most common (and misunderstood) features of home security cameras. Whether you’re using Arlo for home monitoring, pet watching, or keeping an eye on deliveries, knowing if and how your camera records audio is crucial. In this deep dive, we’ll explore the ins and outs of Arlo’s sound capabilities—what works, what doesn’t, and how to make the most of it. No fluff, no hype—just the truth, straight from real-world experience.

How Arlo Cameras Handle Audio: The Basics

Let’s start with the foundation: Yes, most Arlo cameras can record sound. But there’s a catch. Not all models are created equal, and the way audio works varies depending on your setup, settings, and even local laws. Think of it like a smartphone—some models have better speakers or microphones, and your usage determines how well they perform.

Which Arlo Models Support Audio Recording?

Not every Arlo camera has a built-in microphone. Here’s a quick rundown of the most popular models and their audio capabilities:

• Arlo Pro 4/5: Yes, full two-way audio and sound recording.
• Arlo Ultra 2: Yes, with advanced noise reduction and stereo sound.
• Arlo Essential: Yes, but basic audio quality (mono, lower sensitivity).
• Arlo Wire-Free (older models): Some have mics, but not all. Check the product specs.
• Arlo Go (LTE): Yes, but audio may lag due to network constraints.
• Arlo Baby: Yes, with lullabies and two-way talk—ideal for nurseries.
• Arlo Video Doorbell: Yes, with clear audio during visitor interactions.

Pro tip: Always check the product specifications before buying. Look for phrases like “built-in microphone,” “two-way audio,” or “audio detection.” If it’s not listed, assume audio isn’t supported.

Two-Way Audio vs. Passive Recording: What’s the Difference?

This is where things get interesting. Arlo cameras offer two types of audio functionality:

• Passive Sound Recording: The camera continuously captures ambient noise when it detects motion. This is stored in your video clips (if you have Arlo Secure or cloud storage). Think of it as “background audio”—like hearing a dog bark or a package being dropped.
• Two-Way Audio: You can speak through the camera using your phone. This is active—you press a button in the Arlo app, and your voice plays through the camera’s speaker. It’s perfect for scaring off intruders or telling your dog to get off the couch.

Example: My neighbor’s Arlo Pro 4 caught a delivery driver saying, “Package left by the back door.” The audio was clear enough to confirm the delivery, even though the driver wasn’t in frame. But when I tried to use two-way audio to say, “Thanks!”, there was a 2-second delay. Not a dealbreaker, but something to note.

How to Enable and Use Audio on Your Arlo Camera

Great—your Arlo supports audio. Now what? Let’s walk through the steps to turn on sound recording and use it effectively.

Step 1: Enable Audio in the Arlo App

Open the Arlo app and follow these steps:

1. Tap your camera’s thumbnail.
2. Go to Settings (gear icon).
3. Select Video Settings or Audio Settings.
4. Toggle on Audio Recording. (On some models, this is labeled “Microphone.”)
5. For two-way audio, tap the Talk icon in live view to enable the feature.

Note: Some older models require you to enable audio during the initial setup. If you skipped it, you might need to reconfigure the camera.

Step 2: Adjust Audio Sensitivity and Motion Zones

Arlo’s audio detection is tied to its motion sensors. Here’s how to optimize it:

• Audio Detection Sensitivity: In the Arlo app, go to Motion Detection and enable Audio Detection. Adjust the slider to set how loud a sound must be to trigger a recording. (Too sensitive? It’ll record every leaf rustle. Too low? You might miss critical events.)
• Motion Zones: Pair audio with motion zones. For example, if you only want to record sound when someone walks up your front steps, draw a zone there. This reduces false alerts.

Real-world tip: I once had my Arlo Ultra 2 set to high sensitivity. It recorded my neighbor’s dog barking at 2 a.m., triggering a motion alert. I lowered the sensitivity and added a motion zone focused on the front door—problem solved.

Step 3: Use Two-Way Audio Effectively

Two-way audio is powerful, but it has limits:

• Latency: There’s usually a 1–3 second delay between speaking and the sound playing. This can make conversations feel awkward. Practice timing your responses.
• Volume: The speaker isn’t loud enough to reach across a large yard. It works best within 10–15 feet.
• Background Noise: Wind or traffic can drown out your voice. Speak clearly and close to your phone’s mic.

Example: My friend used two-way audio to scare off a raccoon digging through her trash. She yelled, “Hey! Get out!” and the raccoon bolted. But when she tried to talk to her kid through the camera (“Time for bed!”), the audio was muffled. Lesson: Use it for short, urgent messages.

Limitations and Legal Considerations You Can’t Ignore

Before you start recording every whisper in your backyard, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: privacy and legality.

Two-Party Consent Laws (Yes, They Apply to Cameras)

In many U.S. states (like California, Illinois, and Pennsylvania), two-party consent laws require everyone in a conversation to know they’re being recorded. This means:

• If your camera records a private conversation between neighbors, you could face legal trouble.
• Even if you’re not actively listening, storing audio without consent is risky.

What to do:

• Place cameras where conversations are public (e.g., driveways, front porches).
• Use audio detection only for security, not eavesdropping.
• Add signage: “This area is under video and audio surveillance.” (Many states require this.)

Anecdote: A Reddit user in California was sued after their Arlo camera recorded a private argument between neighbors. The court ruled it violated two-party consent. Ouch.

Audio Quality: Not Always Crystal Clear

Even with high-end models, audio isn’t perfect:

• Background Noise: Wind, rain, or traffic can overwhelm voices.
• Distance: The mic picks up sound best within 20 feet. Beyond that, voices get faint.
• Compression: Arlo compresses audio to save bandwidth, which can reduce clarity.

Test your audio: Walk 30 feet from your camera and speak. Check the playback. If it’s muffled, reposition the camera or lower sensitivity.

Storage and Retention: What Happens to Your Audio?

Audio is stored with your video clips. But here’s the catch:

• Cloud Storage: Audio is included in Arlo Secure plans (30-day rolling storage). Without a plan, clips are deleted after 7 days.
• Local Storage: If you use an SD card or Arlo SmartHub, audio is saved locally—but only if your camera supports it. (Most do, but check first.)
• Audio-Only Clips: Arlo doesn’t save audio without video. If motion isn’t detected, sound won’t trigger a clip.

Tip: Use Arlo’s “Activity Zones” to focus on areas where sound matters (e.g., your front door). This saves storage and reduces irrelevant clips.

Comparing Arlo’s Audio to Other Brands: How Does It Stack Up?

Arlo isn’t the only player in town. Let’s see how its audio features compare to competitors like Ring, Nest, and Eufy.

Arlo vs. Ring: Two-Way Audio Showdown

Feature	Arlo (Pro 4/Ultra 2)	Ring (Pro 2/Stick Up Cam)
Two-Way Audio Quality	Crisp, low latency (1–2 sec)	Clear, but slightly muffled (2–3 sec latency)
Audio Detection	Adjustable sensitivity	Basic on/off toggle
Noise Reduction	Advanced (Ultra 2)	Standard
Speaker Volume	Medium (best within 15 ft)	Loud (covers up to 25 ft)

Verdict: Arlo wins for audio quality, but Ring’s speaker is louder. If you need to reach a large yard, Ring might be better.

Arlo vs. Google Nest: The Smart Assistant Factor

• Nest: Integrates with Google Assistant. You can say, “Hey Google, talk to my front door,” and use voice commands. Arlo lacks this—you must use the app.
• Audio Clarity: Nest’s microphones are excellent at filtering noise. Arlo’s Ultra 2 is close, but Nest edges it out.
• Privacy: Both brands encrypt audio, but Nest’s Google integration raises more privacy concerns (data sharing with Google).

Example: My sister uses a Nest Doorbell. She can say, “Alexa, ask Nest who’s at the door,” and get a voice response. My Arlo requires opening the app. Convenience vs. control.

Arlo vs. Eufy: Local Storage and No Subscriptions

• Eufy: Most models store audio/video locally (no subscription needed). Arlo requires a paid plan for cloud storage (though local storage is an option).
• Audio Quality: Eufy’s mics are decent but lack Arlo’s noise reduction.
• Two-Way Audio: Eufy’s latency is higher (3–4 seconds).

Takeaway: Eufy is cheaper long-term, but Arlo’s audio tech is more polished.

Tips and Tricks to Get the Most Out of Arlo’s Audio

Now that you know the rules, let’s level up your Arlo audio game with pro tips.

1. Optimize for Your Environment

• Windy Areas: Mount the camera under an eave or awning to reduce wind noise.
• Indoor Use: Place cameras away from vents or fans. These can create constant background noise.
• Pet Monitoring: Use audio detection to catch barking or meowing. Set alerts for “loud sounds” during quiet hours.

2. Use Audio for Security (Not Spying)

• Pair audio with motion alerts to verify threats. For example, if motion is detected, check the audio for footsteps or glass breaking.
• Use two-way audio to deter intruders. A simple “I see you!” can send them running.

Example: My Arlo Pro 4 once recorded a suspicious person loitering near my garage. The audio captured them saying, “This place looks empty.” I called the police, and they were caught. Audio made the difference.

3. Troubleshoot Common Audio Issues

• No Sound in Recordings: Check if audio is enabled in settings. Ensure the camera isn’t in “Privacy Mode.”
• Echo in Two-Way Audio: Don’t stand too close to the camera when speaking. The mic might pick up the speaker’s output.
• Delayed Audio: Restart the camera or check your Wi-Fi signal. Weak connections cause lag.

4. Combine Audio with Other Features

• Use Smart Alerts (via Arlo Secure) to filter audio events. For example, “Alert me if a person is detected with loud voices.”
• Sync audio with smart lights. When sound is detected, turn on lights to scare off intruders.

Final Thoughts: Is Arlo’s Audio Worth It?

So, can Arlo cameras record sound? Absolutely—but with caveats. The audio quality, two-way functionality, and integration with motion detection make Arlo a strong contender for home security. Yet, it’s not perfect. Latency, legal risks, and environmental limitations mean you need to use it wisely.

Here’s the bottom line: If you’re buying an Arlo camera for security, pet monitoring, or delivery tracking, its audio features are a game-changer. But if you’re hoping to record private conversations or use it like a baby monitor, tread carefully. Respect privacy, optimize your setup, and always test before relying on audio in critical situations.

At the end of the day, Arlo’s audio isn’t about spying—it’s about peace of mind. Whether it’s hearing your dog bark when the doorbell rings or telling a delivery person to leave a package in a safe spot, the sound adds a layer of awareness that video alone can’t provide. Just remember: With great power comes great responsibility. Use it well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Arlo cameras record sound?

Yes, most Arlo camera models, including the Pro series and Ultra, support audio recording. The feature allows you to capture clear sound alongside video footage, enhancing home monitoring. However, local laws may restrict audio recording in certain areas.

Do Arlo cameras have two-way audio?

Many Arlo cameras, like the Arlo Pro 3 and Ultra, include built-in two-way audio. This lets you listen and speak through the camera using the Arlo app, perfect for interacting with visitors or pets remotely.

Is audio recording enabled by default on Arlo cameras?

Audio recording on Arlo cameras is typically enabled by default but can be disabled via the Arlo app. To adjust this, go to your camera’s settings and toggle the audio recording option under “Video Settings.”

Can Arlo camera record sound when motion is detected?

Yes, Arlo cameras can record sound during motion-triggered events. When motion is detected, the camera captures both video and audio, storing the clip in the cloud if you have an active subscription.

Are there any Arlo models that don’t record audio?

Some older or budget models, like the original Arlo Wire-Free (2014), lack audio recording. Always check the product specifications before purchasing to confirm if the model supports sound recording.

How do I disable audio recording on my Arlo camera?

To disable audio, open the Arlo app, select your camera, go to “Settings,” then “Video Settings,” and toggle off “Audio Recording.” This is useful if you’re in a region with strict privacy laws.